The Festival is an annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events – taking place in venues both familiar and unusual across Brighton & Hove for three weeks every May.

Renowned for its pioneering spirit and experimental reputation, Brighton Festival is now one of Europe’s leading arts festivals.

Each year delivers an ambitious and daring programme that aims to make the most of the city’s vibrant cultural atmosphere, pulling in innovative artists and companies, as well as adventurous audiences, from the UK and around the world.

Produced and delivered by the same team that runs the city’s leading arts venue, the Grade I listed Brighton Dome, Brighton Festival has a tradition of enlisting the artistic license and creative ideas of a Guest Director.

This year Laurie Anderson is at the helm. But who is Laurie Anderson?

And what are her plans for the festival?

Aside from being overall Curator of the Festival, Laurie Anderson is directing ‘Music For Dogs’ at the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT).

This 20-minute piece has been specifically designed for the canine ear, including frequencies audible only to dogs, as well as other sounds for humans to enjoy.

Laurie Anderson mused while waiting backstage with cellist Yo-Yo Ma:

‘Wouldn’t it be great if you’re playing a concert and you look out and everyone’s a dog,’

Another local collaboration, Dance Group ‘Three Score Dance’ celebrated the 50th Brighton Festival by bringing together 50 dancers aged over 50 to perform the specially commissioned ‘Tall Tales’ – a special reconstruction from memory of a series of performed paintings that are believed to have been presented at some time during the Festival’s history.